Ring in the holiday season with Parade of Lights events hosted throughout the state. Below you can find more information on Boulder's, Denver's and Louisville's Parade of Lights! 
9NEWS PARADE OF LIGHTSDEC 1, 2017 - DEC 2, 2017

• 16th Street Mall, Denver, CO 80202
• Price: Free
• Friday: 8 p.m.; Saturday: 6 p.m.
• Annual Event, Festivals & Events, Free Events, Kids & Families, Mile High Holidays
• http://denverparadeoflights.com/

Begin your holiday season at the spectacular 43rd Annual 9NEWS Parade of Lights. The two-mile parade route in Downtown Denver is the stage for Colorado's brightest holiday tradition. The FREE holiday spectacular features marching bands, ornate floats, and, of course, a special appearance by Major Waddles the Penguin and Santa! Grab your hot chocolate and ear-muffs, this year is going to be better than ever! 


About This FestivalDec. 1 LocationMain Street between Front Street and South Street|Main St & Pine St Louisville, CO
Find an Airbnb
Everfest's TakeLouisville, Colorado's Parade of Lights is an annual festive march held in the city's downtown in celebration of the winter holidays. The parade features dozens of lighted floats, walking groups, dancers and marching bands from the community. Festivities also include a Living Nativity Scene complete with live animals and actors as well as performances from local carolers.


30th Annual Lights of December Parade
Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.In its 30th year, spectators will enjoy floats created and decorated by local businesses, churches and civic groups. Crowds will enjoy marching bands, lit fire engines, holiday carolers and much more. The grand finale includes an appearance by the jolly old man himself - Santa Claus!

The day after Thanksgiving marks an exciting time for the theater in Denver. While Denver hosts award winning plays year round, the holiday season is truly a treat. Make it a night out or a holiday gift and enjoy a night on the town with these spectacular shows. To see a full listing, visit Denver The Mile High City.

'A CHRISTMAS CAROL'WHEN: Nov. 24–Dec. 24, 2017
WHERE: Stage Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Based on Charles Dickens' classic novel, this joyous and opulent musical adaptation traces money-hoarding skinflint Ebenezer Scrooge's triumphant overnight journey to redemption. "A Christmas Carol" illuminates the meaning of the holiday season in a way that has resonated for generations.
RACHMANINOFF'S PIANO CONCERTO NO. 3 W/ 'THE SANTALAND DIARIES'WHEN: Nov. 24–Dec. 24, 2017
WHERE: The Jones, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Crumpet the Elf returns for more hilarious holiday hijinks in this acclaimed one-man show. Looking for a little more snark in your stocking this year? David Sedaris' offbeat tales from his stint as a Macy's elf in New York City is the sure cure for the common Christmas show. Because of mature language, "The Santaland Diaries" is best enjoyed by adults.
'THE NUTCRACKER'WHEN: Nov. 25–Dec. 24, 2017
WHERE: Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver Performing Arts Complex
The holidays are not complete until you see the Colorado Ballet perform their annual "The Nutcracker," featuring unforgettable characters, dazzling costumes, classic choreography and Tchaikovsky's extraordinary arrangement performed live by the Colorado Ballet Orchestra. This dazzling spectacle of glittering snowflakes and shimmering sugarplums will transport audiences to the Land of Sweets.
DRUMS OF THE WORLDWHEN: Nov. 26, 2017

WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Enjoy an evening listening to the sounds of the Drums of the World during this family-friendly and dynamic concert performed by the Colorado Symphony.
'CHICAGO'WHEN: Nov. 28 - Dec. 3, 2017
WHERE: Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Don’t miss the Tony Award-Wining Broadway Musical, Chicago, as it returns to stage telling a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz.
ALL BEETHOVEN CONDUCTED BY BRETT MITCHELLWHEN: Dec. 1-3, 2017

WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
All Beethoven Weekend features former and present Music Director for the Colorado Symphony in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.
BRASS UNDER GLASSWHEN: Dec. 2, 2017 
WHERE: Denver Performing Arts Complex
Experience fan-favorite Brass tunes through the magical surround-sound of the glass atrium of the Denver Performing Arts Complex during Brass Under Glass. An outdoor holiday event not-to-miss.
HANDEL'S 'MESSIAH'WHEN: Dec. 8–9, 2017

WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Experience the full majesty of Handel's masterpiece — one of the most revered oratorios of all time — when the Colorado Symphony and Chorus exalt "Messiah" to new heights. Nicholas Kraemer returns to Denver leading the orchestra and chorus in this the soul-stirring holiday classic.
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMASWHEN: Dec. 9–10, 2017
WHERE: Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
See ‘America’s favorite holiday tradition’ by Chip Davis performing Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics along with a selection of compositions from his groundbreaking Fresh Aire series.
COLORADO SYMPHONY & YO YO MAWHEN: Dec. 10, 2017

WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
Multi-Grammy® Award-winning cellist Yo-Yo Ma returns to perform with your Colorado Symphony this holiday season.
'ELF THE MUSICAL'WHEN: Dec. 13–17, 2017
WHERE: Buell Theatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex
"ELF The Musical" is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.
A COLORADO CHRISTMASWHEN: Dec. 15–17, 2017

WHERE: Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Performing Arts Complex
The warm sounds of the holidays fill the concert hall with your favorite songs at A Colorado Christmas. "‘Twas the Night Before Christmas," narrated live from stage, will put a smile on your face and set a festive tone for this treasured holiday program, and you won’t want to miss other favorite works like “Sleigh Ride,” “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from The Nutcracker, and even a few “Frozen” winter tunes. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to see who’s naughty and who’s nice in preparation for the big night.

The Denver Metro Association of Realtors released this report stating that Denver is on track to sell a record number of homes in 2017 and the sale of luxury homes have significantly increased. Read more below:

DMAR Real Estate Market Trends Report | NOV. '172017 is on pace to set a new record for the number of homes sold in the Denver area. Also notable, luxury homes priced $1 million and over saw a 50 percent increase in sales year over year.

November 3, 2017Download the report here
October set a new record low for housing inventory in metro-Denver for the month of October with 6,312 listings, down 16.79 percent from the month prior and 6.22 percent from last year. Contributing factors to the low inventory included fewer new listings coming to the market, down 3.06 percent from last year, and the number of homes sold increased by a healthy 9.75 percent month over month.
“The inventory number was a little scary in October and it was not what we were hoping to see,” said Steve Danyliw, Chairman of the DMAR Market Trends Committee and Denver REALTOR®. “In addition to fewer listings coming to the market, low housing inventory was also due to the surprising treat of higher-than-expected homes under contract. As we tend to see normal seasonal slowing, under contracts increased by more than nine percent from last month and last year. Even with cooling temperatures, homebuyer demand remains strong.”
According to the DMAR Market Trends Committee, average active listings in the residential market (single-family and condos) for October is 16,306 (1985-2016). The record-high October was in 2006 with 29,722 listings, and 2017 represents a new record-low with 6,312 listings.
“Seasonally, we expect the number of sold homes to drop 4.18 percent month over month; the larger 9.75 percent drop in homes sold compared to the month prior was expected due to the low amount of under contracts in September. Even with the number of closings dropping over the last couple of months, we are still ahead of last year as year-to-date homes sold was up 3.3 percent over 2016. At this pace, 2017 should set the record for number of sales,” adds Danyliw.
Additionally, the report cites that REALTORS® report home sellers are beginning to reduce prices, yet the average and median sales prices in October were up year over year by 11.85 percent to reach $443,873 and 8.88 percent to $380,000, respectively.
Danyliw comments, “While this is good news, take into consideration the mix of properties sold. We had a substantial increase in the $1 million plus segment.”
Our monthly report also includes statistics and analyses in its supplemental Luxury Market Report (properties sold for $1 million or greater), Signature Market Report (properties sold between $750,000 and $999,999) and Premier Market Report (properties sold between $500,000 and $749,999). In October, 158 homes sold and closed for $1 million or greater, up 32.77 percent month over month and up 49 percent year over year. The closed dollar volume in October for all luxury residential was $242,929,424, up 31.71 percent month over month and up 53.74 percent year over year.
The highest priced single-family home sold in October was $5,275,000 representing four bedrooms, six bathrooms and 7,826 above ground square feet in Denver. The highest priced condo sold was $2,325,000 representing four bedrooms, five bathrooms and 3,523 above ground square feet in Denver. The listing and selling agents for both transactions are DMAR members.
“The Luxury Market hit a sweet spot in October,” stated Jill Schafer, DMAR Market Trends Committee member and metro Denver REALTOR®. “After a very strong summer, the sale of single-family homes priced $1 million and over dipped a bit in August and September, only to rally again in October with sales up 40.38 percent from September. Luxury condo sales were down 20 percent from September to October, but that’s still up 50 percent from the same month last year.”
Year to date, sales volume topped $2 billion, and the sale of single-family homes was up 27.67 percent and condos was up 60.44 percent. So far in 2017, luxury single-family homes and condos are selling faster overall with the median days on market down 16.28 percent and the average price per square foot hitting a record-high at $303. “The playing field is close to equal between homebuyers and sellers with just over six months of inventory,” adds Schafer.
Download the report here
Heritage Title Company is the proud Exclusive Annual Sponsorship Partner of the Denver Metro Real Estate Market Trends Report. 


Learn more about our partner here →

The DMAR Market Trends Committee releases reports monthly, highlighting important trends and market activity emerging across the Denver metropolitan area. Reports include data for Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Clear Creek, Denver, Douglas, Elbert, Gilpin, Jefferson and Park counties. Data for the report was sourced from REcolorado® and interpreted by DMAR.

If you are hosting Thanksgiving this year, you might be stressing out about how to get ready. Fear not, we have accumulated a checklist to help you get ready for your guests. This way you too can be thankful for a fun evening filled with good company and good food. 


Cleaning:

• Don't worry about deep cleaning, but make cleaning the bathroom at the top of your priority list. A little windex on the mirrors, a new toilet paper roll, emptied trash and a lit candle, will go a long way to make you look like a regular Martha Stewart. 
• Vacuum in the areas where guests will be. Hallways, the living room and kitchen are hot spots to hit. 
• Prep ahead of time and clean up before guests arrive. Cleaning the dishes, countertops, sweeping and running a load of dishes will make guests marvel at how you produced such a lovely meal and still kept everything clean. Plus, if all the legwork is done before, you will be able to enjoy the company and food as well. 
• Remove clutter in the kitchen, dining and living rooms. You don't have to worry about every room, but focus on the ones that guests will be in. 

Prepare for the Guest List/Menu

• Make sure you make a list of who you are inviting to your dinner. This way, you will know how many place settings and how much food you will need.
• Prep your menu to include dishes that are sensitive to any food allergies. 
• Ask your guests to contribute. Everyone wants to bring a host gift, so why not have them help you out. Delegate small dishes that will end up saving a ton of time later. If you are looking to stay in your budget, a great thing for guests to bring is alcohol! 
• Play some music. This will get everyone in the mood and illuminate any awkward silences. 
• Order the turkey ahead of time and make sure it is either thawed or has enough time to thaw. 
• Prepare any dishes that can be reheated ahead of time. This will save oven space and allow you to focus on day of items. Before guests arrive, get your dishes reheated and warming in the oven. 

The Denver Business Journal released this article showcasing some of the most extravagant luxury homes in Denver. Compared to 2016, 10% more homes are at the $1 million or more price tag, making Denver a continually growing city. See more photos below:A look at 10 luxury homes that sold in metro Denver in Q3 (Photos)

​Metro Denver's luxury home market continues to grow, with nearly 10 percent more homes priced at $1 million or more selling than a year ago, according to the latest report from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.

Average prices of luxury homes, including both detached houses and attached condos and townhomes, increased less than 1 percent, to $1.56 million.
​
> PHOTOS: Click the image to view the 10 largest luxury home sales (by price) in metro Denver in Q3.
> And click here for a more comprehensive look at the latest data on metro Denver's luxury home market
https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2017/10/24/a-look-at-10-luxury-homes-that-sold-in-metro.html

With Denver being in the list of potential cities to bring on Amazon's second largest headquarters, people are starting to talk about those potential impacts. Following Google, yet another huge corporation will only continue to increase the ever-growing city. But, can Colorado's current residents keep up? One major concern is how high rent prices may skyrocket. 50,000 new jobs will be created, more luxury housing will be built and rent is expected to rise by 1.1% per year. Learn more about what this means in the article in The Denver Business Journal, written by Ben Miller below:

If Denver nabs Amazon's HQ2, expect rents to soar
By Ben Miller  –  Contributing Writer 
Oct 19, 2017, 6:44am If the Denver metro area is successful in attracting Amazon.com Inc.'s second headquarters, rents around here are expected to soar.
On Wednesday, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp. submitted Colorado’s proposal for Amazon’s HQ2 complex, which is expected to bring 50,000 jobs.
On Thursday, a report was issued that indicates that if Denver's successful in attracting Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) HQ2, Denver rents could go up an additional 1.1 percent a year.
San Francisco-based Apartment List research indicates that would cost a Denver renter household up to $11,452 over the next 10 years.
Denver rents have gone up dramatically in the past few years (up 52 percent from 2005 to 2015) and an influx of Amazon workers would do nothing to ease those price increases, according to Apartment List.
"With a low vacancy rate and too little permitting, Amazon’s new HQ2 presence would increase rents an additional 8.8 percent over 10 years. Lower wage workers, including those needed to support Amazon, would be especially impacted by these rent increases, as new housing built for Amazon and other tech workers would skew towards the luxury end of the market," the company said in a statement.
"Denver will be more impacted by the influx of high-wage workers than other metros studied," the company continued.

Celebrate the season with these easy Fall decorating ideas. HGTV gives you 66 ways to glam up your home for Fall or Thanksgiving!

Our Favorite Fall Decorating IdeasWelcome the arrival of fall and Thanksgiving guests with gorgeous decorations both indoors and out.

Freshen Up the Front DoorPiles of pumpkins and gourds along with potted croton and mums give this cheery front porch, featured in HGTV Magazine, maximum curb appeal. Copy a few of their clever ideas — like adding vinyl house numbers to a tall pumpkin — for a similarly festive look for your home's entry.

Read more